How we make our lives more fun

by Bernard De Koven on January 6, 2011

In preparation for my next Fun Coaching workshop, Rocky and I decided to create a little list, much as I advice all the participants, of the things we do to make our lives more fun. This, however, was the first time I tried to do this as and for a couple. And, as a couple, who, by chance, happen to be married for almost 45 years, it turned out to be a remarkably loving, far-reaching exercise – helping us surface aspects of our relationship that, even though they are central, are as subtle as they are profound in keeping us as close as we have become.

Here is the link to the online version – which will remain the most current. For now, and for you, here’s what we have so far:

How we make our lives more fun (Rocky and Blue)

Between us

Paying attention to each other

Admiring each other’s talents

Accepting each other’s differences, limits

Listening to each other, asking questions, getting clear

Encouraging each other to do what each of us most wants to do

Making each other laugh

Being funny

Doing silly things

Little acts of improvisation, spontaneous skits

Playing games

Generally, not keeping score

Appreciating each other’s success

Changing the rules

Being kind to each other

Who ever gets up first makes breakfast in bed for each other

Surprising each other

Making meals for each other

Making a face out of raisins and bananas

Appearing in an outrageous outfit

Leaving notes

Buying each other something special at the grocery or hardware store

Dancing – spontaneously, sometimes without music

Sharing memories

When one of us looks happy (singing, humming or smiling) it makes the other happier

Planning

Respecting each other

Trusting each other

Touching each other

Between us and the world

Learning something new together

Experimenting

Trying new spices, fruits, foods, etc

Trying out new restaurants, grocery stores, parks, neighborhoods to visit, roads to travel

Solving household dilemmas

Inventing new ways to “make do” New uses for common objects

Being kind to others

To other people (family, friends, strangers)

To animals, insects, plants

Pointing out things to each other that we think the other would enjoy

Bringing new people into each other’s lives

Pretending

Speaking in accents

Pretend conversations as we walk by people, e.g.: “Where did we leave that body?”